Pledge to Resist Fracking: Writer-Biologist Sandra Steingraber Issues a Call for Action and a Warning to the Gas Industry

By Sandra Steingraber
The following was a speech given by Sandra Steingraber for the Don't Frack New York Rally in Albany, August 27, 2012.

On this day, 53 years ago, a pregnant college student walked into a hospital in rural Illinois and gave birth to a child.

And then she walked out. By herself.

The baby she left behind became a ward of the state. Three months later a family was found for it.

That child was me.

This story carries three messages. The first is for Governor Cuomo. At the Democratic Committee Policy Conference last week, the governor affirmed his belief in the essential value of government, calling it "the vehicle for the community." I am Exhibit A for that noble idea.

Sometimes the vehicle for community means finding a home for an abandoned child.

Sometimes the vehicle for community means saying NO to a carcinogen-dependent industry that seeks to use our towns as their factory floor, offering temporary riches for a few and permanent pollution for all.

Governor Cuomo: The state of Illinois once protected me. Now I want you to protect my two children. Governor Cuomo, say NO. 

Take the Pledge for Climate Protection

Here are 10 vital steps to slow global warming and climate destabilization. Some of these steps may be difficult at first, but all are fun, save money, and offer exercise and social opportunities.

A climate background section follows the Pledge, and next are the steps in greater detail: guided explanations and their benefits to you, society, and our Earth. Our postcard featuring these steps is available: email us to request postcards (tree-free paper; 25 cents each or $14 for 100). I pledge to begin taking as many of the following steps as I can to stave off the worst effects of global warming, and spread the word. In so doing I will cut fossil fuel use. I will do some or all of the following:

1.Cut down on driving my vehicle, or carpool. I will walk or bike, and not buy a car if I do not have one (best of all). I will support and use mass transit. I may work closer to my home. 
2.Cut down on working just for money: I can thereby barter more, and cut down on commuting. 
3.Depave my driveway, or help others' depave their driveways, or depave parking lots, and grow food in depaved land.